Steven Kampfer will play vs. Blue Jackets, but will Michael Ryder?

Bruins coachClaude Julien told reporters Tuesday morning that defenseman Steven Kampfer will make his return to the lineup against the Blue Jackets after being out with a concussion. The team brought Kampfer, as well as fellow injured defensemen Andrew Ference and Shane Hnidy, with them for their current road trip.

“Kampfer is playing tonight,” Julien said. “Andrew is touch-and-go. He’s very very close, and we’ll be make decisions on him for the next few days, but tonight he’ll sit this one out. He’s very close to being able go as well.”

While Kampfer will be in the lineup, Julien can’t necessarily say the same for slumping scorer Michael Ryder. The 30-year-old has just one goal over his last 14 games, and three points over his last 11. As a result, it will come down to Ryder and Tyler Seguinfor who will play on the third line, and who will be scratched.

“Michael is a streaky player as well,” Julien said when asked to compare the winger’s struggles to those ofNathan Horton earlier in the season. “In his case, he’s here to score goals. He’s been known to score goals, but at the same time, when those things don’t come, players always have to give an effort in other areas as well.

“In his case, the last three games, that’s why we’re going to be making a decision tonight on who [will play] moving forward. At this stage, we want some accountability. I think the message has to be clear that everybody has to step their game up, and that’s what we expect. When things aren’t going well, you’v got to be able to bring something else to the table. Effort is always a big part of it.”